MODULAR HANDLE AND STAND FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A Modular Handle And Stand For Electronic Devices is disclosed that aids the use of cameras, smartphones, portable music players, tablet computers, or multiple such devices used in tandem. The modular system is comprised of a handle, various accessory heads, a means of attachment, and an optional charging battery enclosed in the handle for charging the attached device(s). The modularity of the design allows the device to be easily adapted to multiple device types, as well as a plurality of devices. It allows a device to be attached to the handle with or without that device being placed within a case or enclosure, and creates the option of using the internal cavity of the handle to be used for hosting a removable battery or for storage. The invention may be used as a handle for capturing video or still images, as a multi-position stand that replaces the need to carry a standard tripod, and may be expanded with additional modules to support current and future devices and accessories.
The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/869,743 filed Aug. 25, 2013 and entitled “Detachable Handle for Camera or Smartphone,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND1. Field
The present invention relates to devices that are used to capture still images, or motion video. These devices, most notably cameras, smartphones, portable music players, and tablet computers are commonly equipped with image sensors and internal media storage for capturing and storing image data. Over time, these modern devices have been reduced in size. As a result they have become more difficult to hold comfortably over periods of time. With the growing obsolescence of traditional devices like camcorders and cameras that often included integrated gripping areas, the users of modern devices have collectively lost the much-needed handle feature that had once been used to firmly hold and point traditional image-capturing devices.
As not only image-capturing devices, but lightweight and pocket-sized accessories that also provide a growing percentage of our communication, the variety of these modern devices presents other unique needs such as the modularity to universally support multiple device types, a need for a small, portable, tripod-type solution that can fit in a pocket, and an integrated ability to recharge the internal batteries of such devices.
As can be seen, there is a need for a modular handle that may be removably attached to these various modern devices, creating the control of traditional devices, the modularity to universally support multiple device types, the ability to act as a tripod-type device while maintaining the portability and lightweight aspects of modern devices, and the option of housing a battery for device charging.
2. Related Art
Integrated and auxiliary handles have been employed for traditional video cameras for many years. These devices have been standardized around the ¼-20 threaded attachment screw and threaded insert that are commonly found on camera tripod-type devices. Some examples of these auxiliary devices can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,585,849, and 5,121,147. Other thread-att45ached devices have included additional functionality such as the internal bipod disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,660. In theory, these devices may still be used as accessories for modern devices, but their proportion and weight make them undesirable for smaller, modern devices that do not include a camera tripod-type mounting interface.
Handle-like inventions that are intended for modern devices have been disclosed that feature device-specific connectivity, power port connections that are specifically for the purpose of remote control, include internal electronics and controls that integrate with smartphone applications via a wired or wireless connection, and require a case or enclosure for a given device to which a handle connection is then made. Some examples of these disclosures can be seen in U.S. Patent applications US20130005401 and US20140179372. Although these devices offer specialized electronics and control surfaces, they do not resolve the need for a modular, universal, and multi-position device that acts as a handle and a stand without the need for a standard tripod-threaded attachment, nor do they offer the inclusion of an optional charging battery.
SUMMARYBroadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a modular handle and stand that may be removably attached to an image-capturing device such as a camera, smartphone, portable music player, or tablet computer. The present invention is comprised of a handle, interchangeable accessory heads that provide an adaptable means of functionality and support for multiple device types, a means of attaching the interchangeable accessory heads to the handle, and an attachment mechanism that allows the modular handle to be removably attached to a hosted device.
In another embodiment, the interchangeable accessory heads may removably attach directly to the handle component by friction, snap fit, tabs and slots, bolt(s), screw(s), other means suitable for removably attaching two components, or some combination of these.
In another embodiment, the interchangeable accessory heads may be removably attached to the handle component by an intermediary device such as a retaining cap. The retaining cap may be sized to removably connect within or around the handle with friction, snap fit, tabs and slots, bolt(s), screw(s), other means suitable for removably attaching two components, or some combination of these. A given interchangeable accessory head may then be inserted into or on to the retaining cap thereby removably joining the accessory head and the handle.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components. A band, or bands, of an elastomeric, polymeric, or woven material may be used to removably attach some or all of the attachment mechanism to the hosted device. Some or all of the attachment mechanism could then remain attached to the hosted device after the handle itself is detached.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components, removably attached to a device by a suction cup, or suction cups.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components, removably attached to a device by a substrate suitable for sufficient adhesion.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a band, or bands.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a suction cup, or suction cups.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a substrate suitable for sufficient adhesion.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a female receiver component that is integrated into a case or enclosure that is designed to removably enclose at least a portion of the electronic device.
In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with a linear accessory head that acts as a monopod or includes a fixed point of attachment.
In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with an accessory head that conforms to multiple positions. These positions allow the handle to fold into a configuration that allows the handle to be held in the hand or support an electronic device on a surface.
In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with a multiple accessory head that supports a plurality of devices such as smartphones, portable music players, tablets, cameras, or some combination of these. This accessory head may host the devices in tandem, one in front of the other, or in a stacked configuration to accommodate various device designs.
In another embodiment, the modular handle may include a removable battery.
In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with an accessory head that may include nested components, which slide one within another in a telescopic manner to allow the accessory head to be extended.
In another embodiment, the disclosed modular handle may include nested handle components, which slide one within another in a telescopic manner to allow the handle to be extended.
The following description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
Referring generally to
While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it is apparent that variations and modifications are possible within the purview of the inventive concepts. No limitation with respect to such variations and modifications is intended.
Claims
1. A modular handle and stand for electronic devices, the device comprising:
- a handle;
- interchangeable accessory heads removably attachable to said handle; and
- an attachment mechanism that may be removably attached to one or more electronic devices;
2. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is comprised of a female receiving component and a male mounting component
3. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with a band
4. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with a suction cup or suction cups
5. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with an adhesive substrate
6. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein one said accessory head is configurable to multiple positions as a stand
7. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein one or more components are comprised of nested features that extend telescopically
8. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 1, wherein is included a removable battery
9. A modular handle and stand for electronic devices, the device comprising:
- a handle;
- interchangeable accessory heads removably attachable to said handle; and
- an attachment mechanism that may be removably attached to one or more electronic devices;
10. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism is comprised of a male mounting component that connects directly to an electronic device
11. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with a band
12. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with a suction cup or suction cups
13. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism is removably attached to an electronic device with an adhesive substrate
14. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein one said accessory head is configurable to multiple positions as a stand
15. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein one or more components are comprised of nested features that extend telescopically
16. The modular handle and stand for electronic devices of claim 9, wherein is included a removable battery
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2014
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2015
Inventor: Matthew Brian Parrill (Winchester, VA)
Application Number: 14/466,451